The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is quite young, compared to many international development agencies, but that doesn't mean it sprang out of nowhere! As with many aspects of the UK's history, there is a long colonial and post-colonial legacy necessary to understand how the FCDO got to be the organization that it is today. As professionals in the field - especially those of us attempting to win competitive funding from the FCDO - it's important for us to understand the key events that have led to the FCDO's current structure and priorities.
A Colonial Legacy
The FCO, formed in 1968 by merging the Foreign Office and the Commonwealth Office, had long been responsible for Britain's diplomatic relations and foreign affairs. Its important not to divorce the FCO's objectives from the moment in history when it was formed, following the period between 1948 and 1967 during which more than 20 formerly colonial territories regained independence.
Reflecting on this legacy is not about dwelling on the past but about understanding the nuances of these historical connections to foster stronger, more equitable relationships today. The FCO became responsible for maintaining diplomatic efforts as well as supporting socioeconomic development throughout the Commonwealth, the voluntary association of 54 independent countries, many of which were part of the British Empire.
On the other hand, DFID, created in 1997, focused on reducing poverty worldwide and marked a significant shift in the UK's approach to international aid. The creation of this new institution was marked by a sense of excitement and optimism among global development circles and partner nations. DFID demonstrated the UK's increased commitment to addressing global inequalities, signaling a hopeful future where international cooperation could lead to tangible improvements in the lives of millions. This decision promised a more structured, impactful, and enlightened way to contribute positively to global well-being, aligning with the ideals of mutual respect and shared human values.
Merging Development and Diplomacy Efforts
On September 2, 2020, the FCDO was established through the merger of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DfID). This move brought together the UK's expertise in foreign affairs and international development under one roof, allowing for a more cohesive approach to global challenges.
At first glance some might think that this is a move toward efficiency or better focus, but the move has been met with a lot of criticism. Should aid and development efforts be contingent upon contributing to the UK's foreign policy objectives? Should the UK be aiming aid strategically to support it's trade objectives? Many argued (and still do) that the separation between foreign affairs and development helps maintain a distance which allows development efforts to support those most in need, regardless of political objectives.
The FCDO's creation has led to significant organizational changes, with new departments and staff reallocations to align with its dual mandate. This merger has also brought about a shift in the UK's international aid approach, emphasizing the alignment of development assistance with foreign policy objectives. Understanding the FCDO's geographic and technical priorities is essential to understanding how their role has evolved over time.
Evolving Priorities
In the face of global events, the FCDO has worked to navigate the challenging Venn diagram between UK foreign policy and need-based humanitarian and international development funding. Major global crisis - COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, the ongoing violence in Gaza - have tested FCDO's approach to unify foreign affairs and development efforts, with mixed results and a good deal of critique.
However, the FCDO remains among the top global funders of humanitarian and international development work. No matter the complexity of its history and the challenge of prioritizing both foreign affairs and development within one office, the FCDO is a significant influence in the direction of foreign aid.
As we navigate the complex landscape of institutional donor funding for humanitarian and international development efforts, it's crucial to stay informed about the history and evolution of the institutions we work with. By understanding the FCDO's past and present, we can better engage with FCDO and capture FCDO funding to support the most vital global challenges head-on.
